Designing for health: Embedding wellbeing into large-scale architectural practice

Royal Institute of British Architects Verified independent store

→

This course will explore how architectural practices can embed health and wellbeing principles into the design, delivery, and post-occupancy evaluation of projects. Aimed at large- scale and corporate design practices, the course will move beyond regulatory compliance to focus on evidence-based strategies that support physical, mental, and social wellbeing in the built environment. Lesson 1: Foundations of wellbeing in architecture Lesson 2: Designing for Impact – from Intent to Occupancy​ Lesson 3: Embedding Strategies into Design Workflows​ Lesson 4: Making the Business Case – Return on Investment and Project Integration​Learning outcomesBy the end of this course, you will be able to Define well-being design principles and explain the value of certification frameworks in large-scale projects. Define key areas that can impact human health in buildings, and one major health risk associated with each area. Identify and apply at key design strategies that promote wellbeing within existing workflows or standards and explain the benefits they can have to human health. Evaluate the business case for wellbeing design and outline a short-term action plan to embed it into practice. SpeakerBen Channon, Buro Happold Ben Channon is an architect, author, TEDx speaker and mental wellbeing advocate, and is well known in the industry as a thought leader in designing for wellbeing. He works as a Director and Head of Inclusive Environments at Buro Happold. Ben developed an interest in design for mental health and wellbeing after experiencing anxiety in his twenties. This led him to research the relationship between buildings and happiness, which formed the basis of his books: ‘Happy by Design’ and ‘The Happy Design Toolkit’ (RIBA Publishing, 2018 and 2022). Ben now speaks on this subject to businesses and universities around the world. Ben qualified as a WELL Accredited Professional in 2018, and from 2020-2023 sat on the WELL Mind Advisory panel, using his expertise to raise the bar for healthy buildings worldwide. He also sits on the MHCLG’s Inclusion Sounding Board and is a co-founder of the Architects’ Mental Wellbeing Forum. Please note Each recording will expire 12 months after enrolling onto the course The course was recorded in October 2025 For more information on this course, or if there are no places available, please email us or call +44 (0)20 7307 5355 to talk to a member of the team. Please view the Terms and Conditions for more information. Show more